Free Mellotron Sample Libraries Vintage Keyboard Sounds For Music Producers

The Mellotron stands as one of the most distinctive and historically significant keyboards in music history. Since its invention in 1963 as an electro-mechanical, polyphonic tape replay keyboard, this instrument has contributed to countless iconic recordings across genres. From The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" to progressive rock masterpieces by artists like The Moody Blues and Genesis, and electronic works by Tangerine Dream, the Mellotron's unique sound has left an indelible mark on music. For contemporary producers and musicians seeking to incorporate these vintage textures into their work, several free sample libraries are available, though specific grand piano samples are not mentioned among the offerings.

The Historical Significance of the Mellotron

The Mellotron emerged in 1963 as an innovative electro-mechanical instrument that used pre-recorded magnetic tape strips to generate sounds. Each key on the keyboard triggered a corresponding tape strip, creating a polyphonic playback system that was revolutionary for its time. The instrument gained widespread recognition after The Beatles utilized it in their psychedelic masterpiece "Strawberry Fields Forever," which showcased the Mellotron's ethereal flute sounds. Following this exposure, the Mellotron became a staple in progressive rock, with bands like Genesis, King Crimson, and The Moody Blues incorporating its orchestral textures into their complex compositions.

Despite being largely supplanted by more modern sampling and synthesis technologies in subsequent decades, the Mellotron has experienced periodic revivals. Its distinctive sound—characterized by the slight imperfections of tape playback, the attack and release of the mechanical system, and the particular timbres of the original recordings—continues to captivate musicians and producers seeking to add vintage flavor to their productions.

Overview of Free Mellotron Sample Libraries

Several websites and platforms offer free Mellotron sample libraries, providing contemporary access to these classic sounds without the need for owning the original, often expensive and maintenance-heavy, instruments. These sample libraries vary in their approach, sampling technique, and the specific Melltron models they capture, but all aim to preserve the unique character of this vintage instrument.

The available free Mellotron samples typically include orchestral and choral sounds such as strings, brass, woodwinds, flutes, and choirs. These sounds were meticulously sampled from original Melltron units, with each note individually captured to maintain the instrument's authentic response. The samples are generally provided in WAV format, ensuring high-quality audio suitable for professional music production.

Detailed Analysis of Available Sample Packs

Sonic Bloom's SB Mellotron Samples

Sonic Bloom has made available a free sample library featuring the classic sounds of the Mellotron. This collection contains woodwinds, various strings and string sections, brass, flute and choir sounds from different Mellotron versions. Each note was individually sampled to recreate the unique sound of the original instrument. The library includes 10 different instruments total, all provided as WAV files in separate folders for easy organization within a digital audio workstation.

According to the documentation, these samples were captured from the output of a rebuilt M400 Mellotron, which had been restored from the ground up by Mr. Korb, known as "the Mellotron Professor." The samples were taken from brand new BASF and EMI tape, ensuring pristine audio quality. This attention to preservation techniques helps maintain the authentic sound characteristics that made the Mellotron distinctive.

Tajiguy's Mellotron Sample Pack

Another notable free offering comes from Tajiguy, who has sampled two different Melltron models: the M400S and an M4000. These instruments were carefully sampled with each note individually captured to provide maximum flexibility for music producers. The resulting sample pack contains 10 different instruments, all included as WAV samples in one downloadable package.

The pack offers an extensive selection of sounds, including woodwinds, various strings and string sections, brass, flutes, and choirs. These sounds span the range of instruments commonly associated with Melltron usage across different genres. By sampling from two different models, Tajiguy provides users with variations in tone and character that might not be available from a single instrument capture.

DecenTron: The DecentSampler Implementation

A particularly innovative approach to Mellotron sample distribution is DecenTron, created by Stefano [garubi] Garuti. This implementation takes existing free Mellotron samples and packages them with additional functionality through the DecentSampler platform. Rather than providing raw WAV files, DecenTron offers a more playable instrument interface with ADSR controls, velocity sensitivity, and a range of effects.

The underlying samples in DecenTron are the same ones from Leisureland.us, which were originally sampled by Taijigui and made available for free. Garuti obtained permission from Taijigui to convert these samples to the DecentSampler format, enhancing their usability for modern producers. The implementation includes various presets from a classic Mellotron, with the added bonus of "tape noise" control, allowing users to dial in the authentic sound of tape imperfections.

DecenTron features an impressive collection of sounds, including: - 8 Choir - Bassoon - Church Organ - Combined Choir - Various brass sections (GC3Brass, Mixed Brass B, MkII Combined Brass, MkIIBrass) - Flute (MkIIFlute) - Orchestra - String Session - Additional M300A and M300B presets

Technical Aspects of the Sample Libraries

The free Mellotron sample libraries available through these sources share several technical characteristics that ensure their authenticity and usability:

1. Format: All samples are provided in WAV format, which is an uncompressed audio format that preserves the full quality of the original recordings. This format is widely compatible across digital audio workstations and sampling instruments.

2. Sampling Method: Each library emphasizes that individual notes were sampled, rather than using time-stretching or pitch-shifting techniques. This approach maintains the authentic response of the original Mellotron, including the unique characteristics of each note and the slight variations that give the instrument its character.

3. Source Instruments: The samples are drawn from various Mellotron models, primarily the M400 and its variants. These models are particularly prized for their comprehensive range of orchestral sounds and their association with many classic recordings.

4. Tape Quality: Some sources mention that new BASF and EMI tape was used for the sampling process, ensuring minimal tape hiss and maximum clarity while still preserving the inherent characteristics of magnetic tape recording.

Usage Rights and Licensing

The usage rights for these free Mellotron samples vary depending on the source:

1. Sonic Bloom's Samples: These are offered "freely for music creation only," as stated in the source material. The specific terms beyond this basic usage guideline are not detailed in the provided documentation.

2. Looperman.com Samples: The platform offers mellotron loops and samples "on a royalty free basis (subject to our terms and conditions)." Users are encouraged to review the platform's help section and terms and conditions for detailed information about usage rights. The platform allows both commercial and non-commercial use of the uploaded content.

3. DecenTron: As a derivative work based on Taijigui's samples, DecenTron inherits the usage rights of the original material. The creator obtained permission from Taijigui to distribute the samples in this enhanced format, but the specific licensing terms are not detailed in the source material.

It's important for users to review the specific terms and conditions provided by each sample source to ensure compliance with usage requirements, particularly for commercial projects.

Accessing and Downloading the Samples

The process for accessing and downloading these free Mellotron samples varies by source:

1. Sonic Bloom's SB Mellotron Samples: Available through a dedicated download page. The documentation notes that users may need to right-click the download button and select "Open Link..." if the overlay doesn't appear automatically.

2. Tajiguy's Mellotron Sample Pack: Also available through a download link, though the specific access method isn't detailed in the source material.

3. DecenTron: Available through the Pianobook.co.uk website, where it can be downloaded as a DecentSampler preset package. This format allows for easy integration with compatible sampling software.

4. Looperman.com: Users can search for free Mellotron loops and samples using the platform's search function, filtering specifically for content with "mellotron" in the title or description.

The source materials indicate that while these samples are free, some creators appreciate donations as a way of showing appreciation. For example, Sonic Bloom suggests that users who find value in the samples may consider making a donation, though this is presented as optional rather than required.

Limitations and Considerations

While these free Mellotron sample libraries provide valuable access to classic sounds, there are some limitations to consider:

1. Instrument Coverage: The available samples focus primarily on orchestral and choral sounds typical of the Mellotron, including strings, brass, woodwinds, flutes, and choirs. Notably, the source materials do not specifically mention grand piano samples among the available instruments.

2. Authenticity vs. Convenience: While these samples capture the essence of the Mellotron sound, they cannot fully replicate the experience of playing the original instrument. The tactile response, mechanical noises, and idiosyncrasies of the physical instrument are not fully captured in sample form.

3. Technical Requirements: Some implementations, like DecenTron, require compatible software or hardware to utilize. Users need to ensure they have the necessary digital audio environment to work with these samples effectively.

4. File Size: High-quality, individually sampled Mellotron libraries can be quite large, requiring significant storage space and potentially powerful computer systems to run smoothly, particularly when using multiple instances or complex convolution reverbs to enhance authenticity.

Conclusion

Free Mellotron sample libraries offer contemporary producers and musicians valuable access to one of music history's most distinctive keyboard instruments. Through the efforts of dedicated samplers and developers like Sonic Bloom, Tajiguy, and Stefano Garuti, these vintage sounds are preserved and made available to new generations of creators.

The available samples capture the essence of the Mellotron's orchestral palette, including strings, brass, woodwinds, flutes, and choirs, all meticulously sampled from original instruments. While the source materials do not specifically mention grand piano samples among the offerings, the range of available sounds still provides extensive creative possibilities for producers seeking to add vintage texture to their productions.

For those interested in exploring these free Mellotron samples, multiple sources are available, each offering slightly different approaches to capturing and presenting these classic sounds. By understanding the technical characteristics, usage rights, and access methods for each library, producers can effectively incorporate these authentic Mellotron textures into their musical works, continuing the legacy of this iconic instrument in contemporary music.

Sources

1. Free Mellotron Samples - Synthtopia
2. Free Mellotron Samples -ksetlist Community
3. Mellotron Sample Pack - Soundpacks
4. Free Mellotron Loops - Looperman
5. SB Mellotron Samples - Sonic Bloom
6. DecenTron - Pianobook